Family: Bromeliaceae

Orange bromeliad is a colorful, herbaceous plant.

Striking foliage with colors of yellow, orange, or red, adds enduring color to the garden. Some say that if you neglect this plant, it will yield more colorful foliage making it a smart addition to a xeriscaping garden. The flowers on the stalks are not very colorful; however, the bracts are gorgeous red and yellow. They are long-lasting on the plant or as a cut flower. Propagate orange blanchetiana through suckers or root bulbs. It is attractive to butterflies, bees, and birds. It thrives inside with bright indirect light, in containers on the lanai or in the ground.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Cut flower
• Lei flower
• Ornamental

Plant Dangers:

• Thorns or spines

High Risk Traits:

• High climate match for tropical/subtropical regions.
  
• History of repeated introductions outside its native range.
  
• Spiny leaves that can deter herbivores or cause injury.
  
• Shade tolerant, enabling establishment in forest understories.
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types.
  
• Bird-dispersed fruits facilitate potential spread.
  
• Reproduces vegetatively via offsets ("pups").

Low Risk Traits:

• Not documented as naturalized, weedy, or invasive anywhere.
  
• No known toxins to humans or animals.
  
• Not a known host for significant pests or pathogens.
  
• Requires specialist bird pollinators, limiting seed set.
  
• Low seed production (not prolific).
  
• Propagules lack mechanisms for accidental dispersal (e.g., no hooks, not a contaminant).